The magnetic properties of Gd doped ZnO nanowires

We present a study of the ferromagnetic properties of Gd doped ZnO nanowires (Nws) fabricated by means of a chemical vapor deposition process. The sample was grown with a Gd mole ratio 5% in a mixed Zn/Mn source under a constant O2/Ar gas mixture flowing at 580 °C followed by annealing at 800 °C. We found that the magnetic properties of ZnO:Gd Nws are a function of the external magnetic field and temperature. An average value of the moment per Gd atom is as high as 3278 μB as compared to its atomic moment of 8 μB, showing that the ZnO:Gd Nws are an intrinsic diluted magnetic semiconductor. The unprecedented colossal moment is attributed to the effective Ruderman–Kittel–Kasuya–Yosida exchanging interaction.

► We fabricated Gd doped ZnO nanowires (Nws) by means of a chemical vapor deposition.
► The magnetic properties of ZnO:Gd Nws vary with the external field and temperature.
► An average value of the moment per Gd atom is as high as 3278 μB.
► The colossal moment is attributed to the effective exchanging interaction.